At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Special Guardians and families to ensure children achieve permanence.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, free counselling support, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with training opportunities and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's futures while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
37 hours per week, Temporary (2‑year grant‑funded).
Overview
This temporary 2‑year grant‑funded post is in the Kinship & Permanence team as a Social Work Assistant and focuses on supporting Special Guardians to achieve and maintain permanence for children and young people in their care.
The role involves working closely with staff, managers, other social work teams, and professionals such as education, health and housing.
A proven ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships in a multi‑agency environment through excellent communication will support a successful application.
Responsibilities
- Support Special Guardians and families, helping children and young people understand their permanence arrangements.
- Conduct reviews of Special Guardianship Support Plans and financial assessments in line with regulatory requirements and local authority policy.
- Provide direct work with children and young people, including lifestory work, therapeutic and emotional support.
- Offer practical support, advice and guidance to Special Guardians as needed.
- Contribute to the development of the service through communication and consultation with Special Guardians and children in their care regarding their experience of the service.
- Attend various children’s and carers’ events that are held annually.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Evidence of experience and knowledge of working with Special Guardians/kinship carers, children/young people and their families in a strength‑based and compassionate way.
- Strong communication skills and an ability to build collaborative working relationships with multi‑agency partners.
- Ability to greet customers through Welsh.
- Enhanced Children and Adults Barred List DBS check.
- Commitment to protecting children, young people or adults at risk (core responsibility of all council employees).
- Previous training in the Signs of Safety model is not required; training will be provided.
Benefits
- Convenient flexible working and hybrid working model, allowing you to maximise your time in line with your personal priorities.
- Access to a free Employee Assistance Programme, which includes a confidential 24/7 counselling line and support specialists.
- Access to a generous pension scheme and exclusive discounts and rewards.
- A monthly Health and Wellbeing newsletter with various initiatives and strategies to raise awareness and encourage a healthy workplace.
- Robust induction, high‑quality regular supervision and professional encouragement to access training and development opportunities.
- Working Arrangement
Schedule: 37 hours per week. Hybrid working in accordance with the Council's Hybrid Working Policy.
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Social Work Assistant (Temporary) - Kinship & Permanence Team in Bridgend employer: BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
Bridgend County Borough Council is an excellent employer that values community impact and continuous improvement, making it a rewarding place to work for those in the Senior Projects & Performance Lead role. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a supportive work culture, and the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders, employees can thrive both personally and professionally in this hybrid position. The council's commitment to inclusivity and compliance ensures a meaningful work environment that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the community.
Contact Details:
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant (Temporary) - Kinship & Permanence Team in Bridgend
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant (Temporary) - Kinship & Permanence Team in Bridgend
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Social Work Assistant (Temporary) - Kinship & Permanence Team role at BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
